When a man and his wife arrived in Houston from Kentucky for her cancer treatment at the MD Anderson Cancer Center, they were understandably overwhelmed. Far from home and facing a challenging medical journey, they found unexpected comfort through the kindness of Sewa volunteers.

While at the hospital, the man met an Indian woman whose husband was also receiving treatment. This serendipitous meeting connected him with a veteran Sewa volunteer and case manager at Sewa Family Services.

Upon learning of the patient’s situation, the veteran Sewa volunteer took action. Without the patient’s husband even mentioning a need for Indian food, the senior volunteer mobilized Sewa volunteers to create a meal delivery schedule.

A Sewa volunteer developed a healthy meal plan tailored to the patient’s needs. Each day, dedicated volunteers drove 25-40 minutes to deliver home-cooked meals to the couple. The impact of this gesture went far beyond providing nourishment. It offered a taste of home and a sense of community during a difficult time.

Even after returning to Kentucky, the couple maintained contact with Sewa supporters. "To this day, I can't describe the feeling when the veteran Sewa volunteer showed me the prepared Excel sheet. It was a wonderful experience, and an indication of the selfless service Sewa volunteers have provided," the patient’s husband reflected.

The senior volunteer noted that this experience was new even for Sewa volunteers. He emphasized the importance of being innovative and thoughtful in identifying and meeting diverse needs within the community.